WHEN it comes to unwinding after a tough training session, Danny Ings loves few things more than a couple of hours of escapism.

“I like action films...and comedy,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a funny man. Funny to look at I guess. But I like comedy. Comedy’s a massive part of my life.”

The last six months have been no laughing matter for the teenager though.

There was no escape from the torment of the long-term injury that turned his dream move to Burnley into a nightmare.

Living in a hotel after moving 260-odd miles from his Dorset home was tough on the fun-loving striker, made worse by the fact he was on crutches and unable to do what he loves most; playing football.

“Ever since I could walk I wanted a football at my feet,” he explained.

“I carried that on through the years and my dad, Shayne, played a massive part in that, taking me out every day playing football.

“He was the manager for my first team so that helped as well, playing with all my friends, and it just grew from there.

“The higher the level I played the more I enjoyed it and the more I tested myself.”

But one of his biggest tests came three years ago, when his goal to turn professional was almost wrecked by an abdominal injury towards the end of his scholarship.

“I was lucky that the gaffer offered me a three-month contract,” said Ings, who was released from Southampton’s centre of excellence but was taken on at Bournemouth, where Eddie Howe first spotted the young striker’s potential.

“I didn’t think I was going to get a chance to be a professional footballer at all because of the injury, but the gaffer and my old youth team manager had faith in me.

“They gave me the three-month contract and luckily enough they decided to extend it.”

If Ings hadn’t made it, he isn’t sure what he would have done.

“To be honest I wasn’t the best at school – maths and English and things like that. I could have been academic but I just got bored. I wanted to be out on the field playing football all the time,” said the 19-year-old, who was reunited with Howe at Turf Moor in August.

“I was over the moon when I heard that he wanted to bring me here,” he continued.

But elation turned into devastation when his knee “popped” and buckled during extra shooting practice at the end of only his second training session.

Ings knew instantly that it was serious.

“I couldn’t speak I was in so much pain,” he recalled.

But, aware he had good people around him, he never once thought about retreating back to his Bournemouth base to recouperate.

“I didn’t want to be distanced from the squad because that wouldn’t be a good thing,” said Ings, who has since set up home near Bury.

“I’ve built a good relationship with the whole team here and it feels better being up here and getting settled in.

“There were a few dark days but I had good people around me to keep my chin up and keep me strong.

“I love it up here. I feel like I’m home now.

“If I had the choice of living up north or down south now I’d definitely say up north.

“People are nicer up here and treat you better, and there’s a lot more to do up here.”

Team-mate Martin Paterson has certainly kept him occupied on the road to recovery, as both have endured a similar spell on the sidelines and shared rehabilitation programmes.

“I’m like his little sidekick than he can just terrorise all the time,” laughed Ings.

“Pato’s a great lad. He’s got good banter, but when it’s work time it really is work time. Sometimes we’re still at the training ground at 4pm doing a gym session.

“I’m a young lad so it’s good to look up to someone like him.

“He’s brilliant to have around the place. He pushes me through and helps me along.”

Both came off the bench in the second half of Burnley’s Friday night game at Reading, and Ings added: “On the pitch I think we are quite similar because we’re both an absolute nuisance to defenders, we don’t stop running and hopefully don’t give people breathing space. I think that helps the team as well behind us.

“There’s nothing better than having a striker in the team who works hard.

“I’ve learnt a lot from him.

“He’s taught me a lot about the northern life too.”

But Howe has been the biggest influence on the striker.

“I just want to repay him for giving me that chance now, and at the beginning of my career.

“It means the world to me really,” said Ings, who made his debut, to a standing ovation, against Barnsley on Valentine’s night.

“I definitely felt the love!” he smiled.

“The fans were fantastic. The reception they gave me when I came on I did not expect it at all because obviously me coming up here and not playing a game could be frustrating for them. Credit to them they stuck by me and gave me a great reception.

“The manager and Jason (Tindall) are brilliant too and stick by you no matter what injury you’ve got.

“They’ve helped me get through it. I’m just glad I’m at the end of that tunnel now.”

Ings might not have much time for the movies now.

He’s just relishing his own return to action.